A summer discount offered to Little Rock youth is being credited not only as a way for families to save money, but it could potentially help decrease crime as well.

Rock Region Metro launches summer youth pass

Author:
Amanda Jaeger , KTHV

Published:
6:21 PM CDT May 19, 2017

Updated:
6:25 PM CDT May 19, 2017

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - A summer discount offered to the youth of Little Rock is being credited not only as a way for families to save money, but it could potentially help decrease crime as well.

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola said community members have reached out to him concerned about transportation options for young people this summer. Those citizens voiced concerns about the ability of teens to get to and from their summer jobs and getting to summer programs.

Now, the Rock Region Metro is offering the Summer Youth Pass. It’s a low price option for kids and teens in the Greater Little Rock area. For only $30, elementary and secondary education students can get 3 months of unlimited rides on the Metro.

Becca Green, Director of Public Engagement for the Rock Region Metro, said that in the summer kids may not have a way to ride around.

“We wanted to make sure that we have a really deeply discounted pass they could take advantage of this summer,” said Green.

She said for students, the Metro also provides a safe option for them. Bus drivers often look out for kids who ride.

“They definitely look out for young children and anyone else on the bus to make sure they’re safe while they’re on the bus,” she said. “You can be assured your child will be safe on the way to wherever they’re going."

The pass will also bring a lot of opportunities for kids. The Metro system includes over 50 buses that ride on 26 different routes. It’s an opportunity young people in the city need.

Lamor Williams, Communications and Marketing Director for the City of Little Rock, said parents can’t always get kids to summer activities because they have to work.

“Some of the kids aren't old enough to drive and so this is a way for them to be able to get to those opportunities and activities that are fun and engaging,” said Williams.

He said getting kids to these activities could decrease crime in the city.

“One of the things that we have found is that if you have something to do, the less likely it is you’ll get in trouble,” said Williams. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop, as some people say.”

In a statement, Stodola claimed the move to offer discounted pass to students will "help our students not oonly explore many of Little Rock's wonderful attractions, but also to participate in any of the numerous programs that the City of Little Rock operates throughout the city to keep them active and learning throughout the summer."

You can pick up a pass at the Little Rock River City Travel Center. Students must present a current report card as proof of enrollment.